FAQs

How can I help my child be successful at home?There are several actions you can take to support your child's learning at home. We have a dedicated page of homework tips that provide ideas and resources for creating routines and making homework fun. We also have pages dedicated to reading tips and strategies.

​Will my child be graded on their homework? Completion of homework will be reflected as part of study habits for progress reporting.

What happens if my student misses school? Will they be given extra homework? Excused Absences - Students who miss school work because of an excused absence may be given work to complete when necessary.

Unexcused Absences - Vacation time is provided within the school calendar. The district discourages removing your children from school for "extended" vacations. Teachers are not responsible to prepare individual study packets to compensate for missed instruction. Teachers are not responsible to assist students in making up missed work due to unexcused absences. ​

What are book bags?

Book bags will often contain teacher selected leveled books specifically geared towards to the reading needs of the individual child.

Book bags will sometimes come home with printable books made on copy paper. These can stay home or stay in book bags for your student's reading pleasure.

Sometimes your student will be coming home with a book from a classroom bookshelf. These are not leveled readers but a great book to read aloud at home!

Most often the books will match your child's reading level, your child should be able to be read these books independently with practice.

Help your child with the responsibility of bringing their book bag to school and home each day.

Help your student keep these books organized and safe! Many belong to me personally and the rest belong to our classroom library! It is important that they be returned. There will be a $15 fee for lost books.

My child's book bag books are too easy. Although a book may seem 'easy,' your child maybe working on a specific skill. By allowing students to read accessible text, they can focus on deeper comprehension and fluency. Remember, your child may have already read this book in the classroom. We encourage you to read new books for interest and fun! If you think a book is too easy, make up some extension activities for your child that allow them to connect with the text. A great extension activity is asking questions: "What would you do if you were the character in the story? What will happen next?..."

My child's book bag books are too hard. ​Students may be encouraged to select books of their choice to add to their book bags. These books may be challenging to read for students, but high interest. If a book is too hard for your child, consider reading to or with them. Ask them questions about the words and pictures. Don't force your child to cover the pictures when reading. Using visual clues is a strategy we use in the classroom. Take the "hard" out of reading, keep it fun and light! Let's inspire a love of books and literature!

My child has memorized the book, they aren’t really reading. Memorization is a part of the reading process. It establishes reading identity and confidence. Memorization also supports fluency and expression. Praise your child for efforts and gently encourage them to try unknown books as well. This is also a good time to practice finding a good fit book in your home or public library.

My child has had the same books in their book bag for awhile.Teachers often rotate subject matter at their teaching group. There may be periods in the year where your child's books are not exchanged as frequently. This is also a good time to practice finding a good fit book in your home or public library.

My child is taking too long to complete the homework each night.If your child is having regular difficulty completing homework in a timely manner, contact your teacher.

How much should I help my child with his/her homework?Allow your student to be as independent as possible. Consider saving one night to review the effort and quality your child has made on their assignment. Check in with them as needed.